YOUTH FOR FERNANDEZ

Youth for Fernandez is made up of youth of all ages from the city of New Haven. Youth for Fernandez supports Henry Fernandez candidacy for mayor because they believe that he will go beyond simply changing the school system in New Haven by effectively building a college ready culture in New Haven and providing job opportunities for youth. Unlike other candidates, Henry has not only spoken about improving the education and quality of life for young people in New Haven, but he has demonstrated through his accomplishments and many years of dedicated service to the city that he stands ready to lead from day one and commit his time and effort to creating a better future for New Haven. Youth for Fernandez embrace Henrys vision of One City- which seeks to unite all residents of New Haven and also supports his commitment to making sure that New Haven not only has one of the best youth platforms in the country, but that the youth of the city have the best access to quality education.
Printed in-house. Paid for by Henry Fernandez for Mayor, Bruce Ditman, Treasurer. Approved by Henry Fernandez

Henrys Experience Henry has been a champion for youth from an early age. In fact, his first summer job, while in high school, was working with the Harambee summer camp for elementary school children in his hometown of Poughkeepsie, NY. As an undergraduate at Harvard University, Henry tutored and directed the Mission Hill Afterschool Program in Roxbury, Boston. Based in a predominantly AfricanAmerican and Latino community, the Mission Hill Afterschool Program sought to provide essential services to families who struggled to find affordable childcare. After graduating from Harvard, Henry spent traveled to Zimbabwe, Africa teaching high school English and Math to students. Henry moved to New Haven in 1990 in order to attend Yale Law School. During his time there, he helped to found Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership, Inc., also known as LEAP and was its executive director for its first seven years. LEAP has provided academic and social enrichment opportunities to tens of thousands of children and youth in New Haven. Many young people who have been part of LEAP credit the organization with helping to develop their academic and professional skills as well as their leadership potential. It is a testament to Henrys leadership and management ability that LEAP quickly grew during his tenure - from a small
1: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Health/pdfs/Childhood%20obesity%20in%20N ew%20Haven%2012_13_2011.pdf Printed in-house. Paid for by Henry Fernandez for Mayor, Bruce Ditman, Treasurer. Approved by Henry Fernandez

summer program to being one of the largest employers of youth in the city of New Haven and providing yearround employment and engagement opportunities for children and youth. To this day, LEAP remains one of the states leading youth advocacy organizations. As Economic Development Administrator, Henry continued his commitment to improving the accessibility to education for all New Haven residents by bringing Gateway Community College downtown. Gateway Community College has the largest number of New Haven high school students compared with any other college or university. He was also a part of the team that helped to build the Courtland Seymour Wilson Library in the Hill neighborhood. Henry currently serves on the Board of Directors for JUNTA for Progressive Action, a Latino based community non-profit organization, that also provides after-school and summer programs. He also recently worked on a coalition that made it possible for undocumented children living in New Haven to receive in-state tuition rates. Crime, Health and Nutrition Henry understands that in New Havens current situation, crime is one of the largest limiting factors to improving the lives of our youth. Henry is committed to community policing and introducing new cutting edge strategies to improve safety for every neighborhood. Crime in this city is prevalent and is partly responsible for the growing
Printed in-house. Paid for by Henry Fernandez for Mayor, Bruce Ditman, Treasurer. Approved by Henry Fernandez

obesity problem in New Haven. Parents often keep their children indoors because it is not safe for their children to play outside or in local parks. This prohibits children from getting proper exercise and contributes to childhood obesity rates. According to a 2011 report requested by the city of New Haven titled Childhood Obesity Question and Answer1, 39% of 2010 high school graduates were considered overweight or obese. 47% of 5-6th grade girls and 50% of 5-6th grade boys were also considered overweight or obese. We are failing our youth and our future when a half of all our 10-12 year olds are considered to be at an unhealthy weight. Children need safe places where they can have fun, be physically active, and learn. Henry has experience with developing youth programs, and as mayor he is devoted to encouraging the development of youth centers in every neighborhood. Summer Jobs/Programs Giving young people a way to be involved in their community will lead to them spending their time having fun and learning rather than standing on street corners and falling to drugs and crime. Our youth need hope, and that starts with building a culture of excellence throughout our schools and community centers by hiring the best principals and youth specialists. Henry will make the tough decisions
1: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Health/pdfs/Childhood%20obesity%20in%20N ew%20Haven%2012_13_2011.pdf Printed in-house. Paid for by Henry Fernandez for Mayor, Bruce Ditman, Treasurer. Approved by Henry Fernandez

so that we will have better futures. Crime rates tend to rise during the summer months because teenagers often do not have many options for employment or positive engagement. Henry will take responsibility and will work with the community to improve summer job opportunities and programs for youth. The Youth@Work initiative has helped to battle this problem and Henry will continue to find innovative ideas to maintain progress. Recreational Centers Over the last few decades, we have seen the closure of many former community and youth centers for children and families in New Haven for a variety of different reasons. This has meant that many young people are left with few options and opportunities to engage in positive recreational and intellectually stimulating activities after school and on the weekends. Henry supports the idea of creating youth and community centers -- beacons of light for the residents of New Haven where youth and adults alike can come together and interact positively, including in activities that benefit neighborhoods. Community centers should be a critical component of every neighborhood. College Ready Culture Preparation for vocational training and college is critical to the success of our youth and the city of New Haven. Teenagers who are unprepared often dont attend, or dont
Printed in-house. Paid for by Henry Fernandez for Mayor, Bruce Ditman, Treasurer. Approved by Henry Fernandez

finish their college career. As Mayor, Henry would work to ensure that the youth in New Haven reach institutions of higher education by building a college ready culture. This is critical so that New Haven can benefit from a college educated talent pool of local residents ready to put their education and talent to the benefit of the city. The New Haven Promise has had a significant impact on making college more accessible to students. Henry will continue to work with the city and the school system to ensure students are being adequately prepared to take advantage of this great program. Having a college ready culture means not just giving all students the opportunity to go to college, but also giving them the required resources and education to enable them to succeed once admitted. Summary Youth For Fernandez all agree that Henry is the best candidate to become Mayor of this city. Henry has devoted his life to improving the city; his work through youth transformed the lives of thousands of city youth, and he continues to prove through his professional and volunteer endeavors that he has a vision for the city that is unique and exciting. His vision of ONE CITY is one that we embrace and that speaks to our dreams for the city and for ourselves.

1: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Health/pdfs/Childhood%20obesity%20in%20N ew%20Haven%2012_13_2011.pdf Printed in-house. Paid for by Henry Fernandez for Mayor, Bruce Ditman, Treasurer. Approved by Henry Fernandez

YOUTH FOR FERNANDEZ The following young people support Henrys candidacy for Mayor of New Haven, support his platform and are members of Youth for Fernandez :
Darron Brown Jeremy Jamison Jordy Padilla Malik Gerdes Jose Oyola Hatice Maras Hacibey Catalbesoglu Mesach Alexis Moises Perez Katherine Perez Lailanie Arce

Printed in-house. Paid for by Henry Fernandez for Mayor, Bruce Ditman, Treasurer. Approved by Henry Fernandez